The Effect of Alkali Stress on Seedling Development and Quality of Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Genotypes

Abstract

In this study, the effects of alkaline stress on germination and seedling development of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) were investigated. Two landraces (1603 and 4403) and cultivated varieties “İptaş” and “GAP Blue” were used as plant material. Five different concentrations of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) (0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 mM) were applied as alkali solution in the study. The study was arranged as split plots in randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications. Germination and seedling growth characteristics were determined in pots under climate chamber conditions with a 25 °C constant temperature, 10 hours of light-14 hours of darkness, and 70% humidity. Soil taken from the agricultural areas in the region was used as a growth environment. Germination speed, germination rate, root length, shoot length, root and shoot dry weights, crude protein, and ODAP contents were examined in the study. As a result, it was determined that there were differences between genotypes in terms of their responses to alkaline stress. When alkaline doses were compared, the genotypes responded positively up to 50 mM alkaline dose, and it was determined that all properties were negatively affected with 100 mM alkaline dose. Accordingly, it was exhibited that all grass pea genotypes used in this study can grow in alkaline areas up to 50 mM.

Keywords

• grasspea
• genotype
• alkali stress
• seedling development
• odap